The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue took advantage of the time change this coming Sunday to remind county residents to check and test their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors at home.
The call was made on Friday, before the clocks were set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1st.
The message from the fire department is clear: "Change your clocks, change your batteries."
The logic behind the reminder is that the time change is one of the few household events that almost no home overlooks, making it an ideal prompt to check the status of security devices.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments in the United States respond to over 470,000 residential fires each year, resulting in more than 3,100 deaths, over 10,000 injuries, and property losses exceeding $15 billion.
The most concerning fact: more than half of those deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or with alarms that are not functioning, usually due to dead or disconnected batteries.
CO poses an equally serious risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that unintentional poisoning by this gas—colorless, odorless, and tasteless—causes more than 400 deaths each year in the country, in addition to over 100,000 emergency room visits and more than 14,000 hospitalizations.
Its initial symptoms—headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—can easily be mistaken for those of the flu.
What to check this weekend
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue details in its smoke alarm safety guide an important distinction that many residents are unaware of: detectors with replaceable nine-volt batteries need to be changed twice a year, but models with a sealed 10-year lithium battery should not be opened.
When these devices emit a low battery signal, the solution is to replace the entire unit following the manufacturer's instructions.
Regarding the lifespan of devices, smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, even if they seem to be functioning properly.
For carbon monoxide detectors, the fire department recommends replacing them every five years, although some sealed lithium models are designed to last up to a decade; in any case, the manufacturer's instructions take precedence.
The NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside of each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
CO detectors should also be installed on each floor, especially near potential sources of the gas, such as kitchens, heaters, or garages.
Both types of devices should be tested at least once a month.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue also recommends taking advantage of the weekend to inspect damaged electrical wires, clean dryer vents and heating systems, keep fire extinguishers accessible, and practice the family evacuation plan in case of a fire.
In case of any symptoms of CO poisoning, it is imperative: "Get to fresh air immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter the building until emergency services declare it safe."
For the Cuban community in Miami, this Sunday’s time change has a practical implication: while Florida sets its clocks back, Cuba decided to maintain daylight saving time until November 2027 due to the energy crisis, which will place Havana one hour ahead of Miami until mid-March 2027, directly affecting phone calls, flights, and consular appointments.
Related videos:
Filed under: